Today's Sports Business Pulse
Messi joins Ronaldo as billionaire after US endorsement deals
Lionel Messi has entered the billionaire club, driven by a series of high‑value U.S. endorsement and licensing agreements announced this month. His net worth now exceeds $1 billion, matching Cristiano Ronaldo as the only footballers to reach that milestone.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Lucra raises $20M to expand its eSports gamification platform
1977: Ask Farnoosh: How Much Should We Pay for College? Plus: Her Investments Went Missing
In this episode Farnoosh Torabi tackles the looming decision of college costs, urging listeners to treat college choice as their first major financial decision and to weigh return on investment. She shares a cautionary story about a woman whose investment accounts vanished, explaining what went wrong and how to protect oneself. The episode also highlights broader financial stress in America, noting a Gallup poll showing the highest pessimism in 25 years, and discusses rising homeownership expenses and the looming government debt crisis. Throughout, Farnoosh blends personal anecdotes, expert interviews, and actionable advice to help listeners navigate these financial challenges.
A New Multi-Mountain Ski Pass Will Launch This Year, Here's What We Know So Far
Snow Partners is launching the Snow Pass, a new multi‑mountain ski ticket that offers two days at each participating resort for under $400. The cooperative model will return 80% of first‑year revenue to partner resorts, with payments made in three...
C4 Energy’s Basketball Fandom Takes Shape with New Partnerships
C4 Energy, a Nutrabolt brand, has secured three new basketball partnerships: the Los Angeles Lakers as official energy drink partner, Canada Basketball, and NBA Europe through 2029. The deals bring C4 branding to LED signage, courtside displays, digital content and retail programs...
MSC Cruises Brings Yacht Club Experience to Formula 1 Grand Prix
MSC Cruises will debut a floating MSC Yacht Club hospitality venue at the 2026 Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix. The 50‑foot‑tall, 264‑foot‑long structure will sit along turns 5 through 9, providing spectators with panoramic views of up to five corners. The multi‑deck...
Club Sportico: Kentucky Derby History Is a Marketing Masterclass
The Kentucky Derby’s rise to America’s most‑watched horse race stems from deliberate marketing, elite‑centric experiences, and a dash of betting luck. NBC now draws close to 20 million viewers, while 150,000 fans attend Churchill Downs in person. Early 20th‑century progressive reforms...
Brandel Chamblee: LIV Golf ‘Heightened’ Saudi Arabia’s Atrocities
Brandel Chamblee told The Dan Patrick Show that LIV Golf’s Saudi‑backed funding will likely end after the 2026 season, leaving the league on the brink of collapse. He argued the tour failed to cleanse Saudi Arabia’s human‑rights reputation, instead highlighting...
One of the Biggest Boondoggles in Sports History Is All but Dead. The Damage Is Real.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund announced it will withdraw its financial support for LIV Golf at the end of the current season, effectively ending the league’s five‑year experiment. LIV has already canceled its upcoming New Orleans tournament and is now...
Canzano: Emptying the Notebook on Pac-12, Football, Free Lunches, the Blazers, Seahawks, Social-Media Mob and More
John Canzano’s notebook‑style column tackles the Pac‑12’s looming realignment, the growing “no‑fun” atmosphere in college football, and the debate over free meals for student‑athletes. He also critiques conference basketball tournaments, flags concerns about the Portland Trail Blazers’ ownership, speculates on...
Sportico Transactions: Moves and Mergers Roundup for May 1
The May 1 Sportico roundup highlights a wave of strategic hires, high‑profile brand partnerships, and sizable investments across the sports ecosystem. Notable moves include Will Wright joining BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing as COO, Jarrod Schwarz becoming Yahoo Sports GM, and Coca‑Cola...
Why You Won't Find Kentucky Derby Bets on Prediction Platforms
Prediction‑market platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket do not offer contracts on the Kentucky Derby because Churchill Downs, the track’s owner, refuses to grant permission. The Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978 requires explicit consent from the racetrack, horsemen’s groups, and...
Lost NFL Network on Comcast Xfinity? Here Are the Best Streaming Alternatives for Football Fans
Comcast Xfinity has dropped NFL Network after a contract dispute, leaving football fans without the channel on traditional cable. The loss comes as the league gears up for the 2026 season and underscores the vulnerability of bundled TV packages. Several...
Kentucky Derby 152 to Air Across 19 Networks in 170-Plus Territories
HBA Media, on behalf of NBC Sports and Churchill Downs, secured broadcast and streaming rights for the 152nd Kentucky Derby across 19 networks in more than 170 territories spanning five continents. NBC Sports will air a five‑hour world feed with...
Bulgarian Stadium Poised for €120m Redevelopment
Levski Sofia announced a €120 million (≈$130 million) renovation of Georgi Asparuhov Stadium, slated to begin in spring 2027. The redesign will convert the 17,600‑seat football ground into a state‑of‑the‑art, multipurpose arena with a fully covered bowl and advanced lighting, sound and...
GBR Friday | What PIF’s New Strategy Means for LIV Golf Funding and Its Search for New Investors
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced it will cease funding LIV Golf after the 2026 season, aligning with its new five‑year strategy focused on value creation, efficiency and returns. The league’s CEO, Scott O’Neil, warned the organization must now...
B. Draddy Announces Partnership With Sweetens Cove Golf Club, Introducing “Camp Draddy at Sweetens Cove”
B. Draddy has partnered with Sweetens Cove Golf Club to open a permanent on‑property installation called Camp Draddy. The activation features the brand’s original Draddy Camper, now serving as a permanent screen‑print studio, alongside a dedicated apparel tent, firepit and...
NBA-EuroLeague Talks at an Impasse, Adding Uncertainty to Bidding Process
The NBA is pushing ahead with plans to launch a 12‑team European league in October 2027, partnering with FIBA and courting institutional investors. EuroLeague, led by former NBA executive Chus Bueno, insists any cooperation must guarantee spots for all 20...
Prime Video Expanding Beyond NBA With Duke College Basketball
Prime Video announced a multiyear agreement with Duke University to live‑stream three men’s basketball games in the 2026‑27 season, including matchups against UConn, Michigan and Gonzaga. The streamer expects each game to generate roughly $500,000‑$1 million for Duke, funds that can...
A’ja Wilson and Jalen Brunson Are Starring in Lowe’s Debut Basketball Campaign
Lowe’s has launched its first basketball marketing campaign, partnering with WNBA star A’ja Wilson and NBA guard Jalen Brunson. The initiative aims to tap the cultural influence of basketball to reach Gen Z and millennial shoppers, mirroring tactics that succeeded...
Tampa Sports Authority Nets $875K From NHL Stadium Series
My colleague @Bretjust1T reports the Tampa Sports Authority took in $1.76M and netted $875K by hosting the @NHL Stadium Series game between the Lightning and Bruins at Raymond James Stadium in February. This includes: 🏒$500,000 venue rental fee 🏒$5 facility fee on...
CFTC
NEW: The CFTC has filed a motion for preliminary injunction against the New York Attorney General, asking SDNY judge Victor Marrero to issue an order prohibiting the NYAG's Office from pursuing criminal or civil enforcement actions over the offering of...
WNBA Franchise Valuations Ranking List: From Golden State to Atlanta
Sportico’s latest valuation study places the average WNBA franchise at $427 million, a 59 % jump from the 2025 estimate. The analysis, based on 2025 revenue and a 13.6× revenue multiple, shows team revenues averaging $31.5 million, up 56 % year‑over‑year. National TV contracts...
Q&A with Candace Story, AD of the Year
Good q and a with easily the AD of the year in most circles @vucommodores Candace Story. #anchordown https://t.co/Q70gpNgQOs
Comcast Revises NFL Network Statement, Adds Incendiary Tone
Update - Comcast amended its statement on NFL Network going dark in a carriage dispute to make it more incendiary https://t.co/q0XPV8A9hS
WNBA Team Values 2026: Valkyries Lead, Average Jumps 59%
The average WNBA franchise is now valued at $427 million, a 59% jump from last year and 345% above the 2024 level, driven by a fresh collective bargaining agreement and lucrative media contracts that begin in 2026. Golden State Valkyries top...
Sports Media Roundtable Dissects Amazon Deal, TV Futures
Just taped a sports media roundtable with @paulsen_smw, @Armand_Broady, @GlobeChadFinn and @derekfutterman. Topics include Amazon's Duke deal, whether Russell Wilson will be good on TV, CW partnering w. ESPN and where Vrabel-Russini goes from here. Out tomorrow at 3AM. TO LISTEN:...
Chelsea Seeks Club World Cup Badge for 2026‑27
Chelsea, who last won the Premier League in 2016/17, apply to have the FIFA Club World Cup winner’s badge on their shirt for 2026/27.
Castore Revenue Rises as Losses Widen
Castore reported a revenue rise to roughly £190 million (about $242 million) and EBITDA more than doubled to £30.8 million ($39 million). However, the pre‑tax loss widened 56% to £40.3 million ($51 million) as the company poured money into infrastructure, AI, brand development and international expansion....
Tribunal Declares Referees Self‑Employed, Not PGMOL Employees
Tax tribunal that started in 2017 finally rules in favour of PGMOL against HMRC and referees are deemed to be self employed and not PGMOL employees https://t.co/TDOGnIlaNQ
Kentucky Derby’s Timeless Formula: Tradition Fuels Massive Viewership
How did the Kentucky Derby become THE Kentucky Derby? How does a horse race continue to draw 20 million viewers every year? I dove into the history and found some lessons for any sport that wants to present its own spectacle 🏇...
EXEC: Columbia Sportswear CEO Tim Boyle Sees U.S. Wholesale Returning to Growth in Second Half
Columbia Sportswear posted a flat Q1 top line, with U.S. wholesale sales down 10% while international revenue rose 16% year‑over‑year. CEO Tim Boyle said the dip reflects a deliberate reduction in winter inventory and temporary tariff pressures, but a stronger...
Trump Administration Proposes Commanders Manage Langston Golf Course
Trump administration wants the Washington Commanders to oversee Langston Golf Course in Northeast Washington. Story from two great WaPo reporters: @RickMaese and @jocwapo: https://t.co/xYdHHu708t
Kentucky Oaks Debuts Prime‑time Slot Amid Sports Showdown
It's Friday Night Lights in Louisville, as NBC and Churchill Downs are running the Kentucky Oaks in prime-time for the first time (8-9pm ET) Not without sports competition: 🔲Two NBA Game 6s/Prime Video 🔲Two NHL Game 6s/ESPN, ESPN2 🔲UFL on Fox https://t.co/DaPo0eFn4d
FCC Probe May Foil NFL’s Early TV Renewal Talks
The NFL is in the midst of renegotiating its broadcast rights, with CBS facing a potential $1 billion fee increase. An FCC investigation into the league’s distribution strategy and foreign ownership stakes threatens to derail an early renewal. The league’s opt‑out...
Hamilton Accies Report £1.36 M Loss, Facing Going concernHamilton Accies Report £1.36 M Loss, Facing Going Concern
A week after the 23/24 accounts came out, Hamilton Accies publish their 24/25 figures ⚽️Loss for year £1.36m ⚽️Total losses over the years £4.4m ⚽️Bank loans £1.51m ⚽️Owed to related parties £1.6m although the auditors expressed concerns about the accuracy of these figures ⚽️Going concern...
Private Equity Targets Universities Amid Enrollment Decline
This the reality of the private equity marriage to higher ed, which begins with athletics but I think will move toward education as schools are crunched for money with the enrollment cliff (fewer kids born in U.S. starting in 2008)...
Avenue Sports Fund Invests in Professional Soccer Team The North Carolina Courage
Avenue Sports Fund announced a strategic investment in the North Carolina Courage, a leading team in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The fund secured a minority equity position, joining chairman Steve Malik and head coach Mak Lind in the...
Sheffield Wednesday Deal Near Finalization, Fans Rejoice
Fantastic news that the Sheffield Wednesday deal looks as if being finalised. I’m sure all Owls fans will be delighted that you won’t be appearing every week on @POF_POD
Wilson's Networking Makes Him Fit—If He Quits Playing
Good scoop by Marchand. Wilson has always been a great networker with league officials and media rightsholders. I think he’d be good in this role if he truly is committed to not playing again.
Soudal-QuickStep to Celebrate 150 Years of Castelli with Special Giro Jersey
Castelli and Soudal‑QuickStep unveiled a limited‑edition jersey for the upcoming Giro d'Italia, marking the Italian brand's 150th anniversary. The kit adopts a vintage cream colourway and incorporates historic motifs, from Jacques Anquetil's 1967 speed suit to the first Lycra shorts...
Invest $250K in Toronto Tempo, Expect $1M Return
If they were opening up shares for people, I would legit throw $250,000 into the Toronto Tempo and check back in 5-7 years. Because I’d bet it will be worth close to 1M or more.
NFL Network Clashes with Comcast over Carriage After Disney Takeover
NFL Network is in a carriage dispute with Comcast, the first one since it went under the Disney/ESPN umbrella https://t.co/q0XPV8A9hS
Apollo Sports Capital and Tom Dundon Make Landmark $225 Million Investment in Pickleball
Apollo Sports Capital and Tom Dundon's Dundon Capital Partners have invested a record $225 million in Pickleball Inc., the parent of Major League Pickleball and the PPA Tour. The funding pushes total capital in the company to $315 million and values the...
Big 12 Deal Could Redefine Athlete‑NCAA Legal Landscape
The Big 12’s multimillion dollar private equity deal with RedBird and Weatherford isn’t just new money—it could rewrite the legal relationship between athletes, schools, conferences, the NCAA & investors. I break down the stakes + risks for @Sportico.👇 https://t.co/uPrjJNUHFz.
Eleven Division I Schools Now Have Jersey Sponsorships
By my count, this is the 11th jersey sponsorship deal announced in D1: Arkansas, LA-Monroe, LSU, Memphis, NMSU, Wyoming, Wisconsin, Neb-Omaha, UNLV and USF. Did I miss any?
Seattle Storm's $1M Purchase Grew to $425M
The Seattle Storm owners bought the team for $1 million in 2008. It's now estimated to be worth $425 million. https://t.co/U7lGmzIvj7
Ch
Look Who's Chining In on @WNBA Valuations (See what I did there?!) Here's @chiney with the man himself, @kbadenhausen https://t.co/fs0PuXoatO
Rushed Billionaire Stadium Deals Risk Taxpayer Cost Overruns
When billions of dollars in tax money are at stake, rushing to get a sports stadium or arena deal approved just because the local billionaire is impatient is a great way to end up with unexpected costs. https://t.co/hpBA8l2cZC
WNBA Team Values Surge 59%, Valkyries Top Rankings
It was a momentous offseason for the @WNBA. Everyone has been asking what the new labor contract will mean for team valuations. Well, here they are 🏀 WNBA Team Values 2026: Valkyries Lead, Average Jumps 59% 1️⃣ @valkyries 2️⃣ @nyliberty See...
Taxpayers Foot $900M, Not Haslams' Two‑thirds.
Ugh, this framing: the Haslams are "providing nearly two-thirds of he funding"? How about reporting taxpayers covering nearly $1 billion of the cost, which is the relevant figure ($900 million and the team is seeking more). Don't do this. https://t.co/S4kwp85tJp
New Blazers Owner Can’t Afford Tiago Splitter’s Contract
So this is why the new blazers owner couldn’t pay Tiago Splitter? lol. Cc: @SheaSerrano @SpursReporter